Chocolate Lamington Cake Squares with Raspberry Jam
Classic Australian lamington cake squares dipped in chocolate ganache and coated with shredded coconut, filled with a layer of tangy raspberry jam. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (113g), softened butter, (150g) granulated sugar, large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g), softened butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (160g) raspberry jam
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) boiling water
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (135g) desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture and 1/4 cup whole milk alternately to the butter mixture, mixing gently until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Step 5: Once cooled, cut the cake horizontally into two layers. Spread 1/2 cup raspberry jam evenly over the bottom layer and press the top layer back on to form a sandwich. Cut into 16 equal squares.
- Step 6: To make the chocolate coating, sift 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar into a heat-proof bowl. Add 1/2 cup boiling water and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 7: Dip each cake square into the chocolate mixture, then roll in 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut to coat. Place on a wire rack to set before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate Lamington Cake Squares with Raspberry Jam take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chocolate Lamington Cake Squares with Raspberry Jam?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Lamington Cake Squares with Raspberry Jam?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chocolate Lamington Cake Squares with Raspberry Jam for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chocolate Lamington Cake Squares with Raspberry Jam?
Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
